The Making of Madeira Wine

Madeira used to be the most popular wine in the colonies and in Europe. It was the wine of choice of the kings and queens. Madeira is not one wine, it is several varieties, some made with one type of grape and some blended. Getting to know and appreciate the ins and outs of Madeira wines is quite thee learning experience.

The making of Madeira wine is a big industry on the island of Madeira off the coast of Portugal with about 4500 growers. They grow grapes differently than in other wine producing regions and it affects the flavor and quality of the finished product. Most of the growers need to make the most of the land they have and grow vegetables in between the rows of grapes. Since the vegetables are competing with the grapes for the nutrients in the soil, the grapes grow slower which in turn gives them a stronger aroma and makes the flavor more concentrated.

The harsh climate of the island dictates that the grapes be grown low to the ground with their leaves covering them. There are different varieties of grapes used to make Madeira wine and each one is planted differently. They are the dry Sercial, the mild Verdelho, the medium sweet Bual and the rich and oily Malmsey. Boal and Malvasia are best grown in lower altitudes. On the other hand, Verdelho and Sercial like the higher altitudes.

Terrantez and Bastardo are the ones grown the least, making their wines hard to find. They will produce a medium dry wine. Sercial is a highly acidic grape grown at the highest altitudes. Sercial is so acidic, it has to be aged before consumed - at least 20 years in a cask. Verdelho is a medium dry white grape and there is a red variety of Verdelho, the Verdelho Tinto. Verdelho is found in one of the most popular Madeira wines in the United States called Rainwater. Bual is another white grape that will produce a medium sweet wine. Bual is recommended for those who are not familiar with Madeira. Malmsey, made from the Malvasia grape is the most popular. Many wines around the world are made with grapes in the Malvasia family. Bastardo is not only used to make Madeira. It is also used in a version of port. It is hardly grown anymore, but there are old vintages available.

Madeira wine is one of the strongest and one that can be left to age for generations. It will even last for weeks, or even months after the bottle is opened, one of the reasons why it was so popular centuries ago when they did not have the resources we have today to keep and store opened wine.

Sources :

Madeira Wine Information

Madeira Wine Guide